Mr. Standfast

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

560

Title

Mr. Standfast

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

A gripping wartime thriller featuring Richard Hannay, a decorated British officer forced to abandon his uniform and identity to infiltrate enemy lines. Set against the backdrop of World War I, this novel blends espionage, psychological tension, and high-stakes aerial combat as Hannay races to prevent a catastrophic German offensive while confronting a cunning adversary.

Summary up to 500 words

In John Buchan's *Mr. Standfast*, seasoned British brigadier Richard Hannay is abruptly ordered by his superiors, Bullivant and Macgillivray, to abandon his military command and adopt a new persona. Disguised as Cornelius Brand, a pacifist mining engineer from South Africa, Hannay must travel to Germany to negotiate peace, a mission described as dangerous and grim. Before departing, he visits a shell-shocked friend, Blaikie, and reflects on the bravery of his fallen comrade, Peter Pienaar, a legendary flying ace. Upon arriving in Germany, Hannay is captured by von Schwabing, a German exile and master strategist who reveals he has been manipulating Hannay's movements for months. Von Schwabing explains that Germany is on the verge of a decisive victory and plans to launch a massive attack on the British right wing at Amiens. He intends to take Hannay to Germany as a prisoner, intending to use him as bait to lure a British agent, Mary, into a trap. Hannay is held in a cellar, realizing the gravity of his situation. However, the narrative shifts to a climactic aerial battle near Amiens. German reconnaissance planes return to report the empty British lines, signaling an imminent collapse. Just as defeat seems certain, British fighter pilots arrive to intercept the enemy. The battle intensifies, featuring the legendary ace Peter Pienaar, who fights with a crippled leg. In a heroic final stand, Pienaar engages the German ace Lensch, destroying his plane and sacrificing himself to ensure the enemy's secret mission fails. The British forces rally, repelling the German advance and securing a victory. Hannay is rescued, and the novel concludes with a reflection on Pienaar's heroism and the enduring spirit of truth and courage. The story serves as both a thrilling adventure and a tribute to the unsung heroes of the war.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/560.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg560.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-06-30 11:06 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Classics
• Mystery